After you buy car insurance, there’s one important final step: put proof of that insurance in your glove compartment. Your proof of insurance shows details about your auto insurance policy.
Proof of insurance is easy to get; it is usually mailed to you by the insurance company, or you can obtain it online and print it out on your own or show it on your phone with your car insurance app. You may need to show proof of insurance in order to register a vehicle, and you’ll also need it if you’re in an accident or if you get pulled over.
What is proof of insurance?
Proof of insurance is just that: Proof that your car insurance is current and valid. Think of it like your health insurance card; it shows that you have an active policy and provides details so whoever is checking it can verify the information.
In most cases, proof of insurance comes in the form of an ID card. The information on it varies but it will typically include:
Named insureds (who’s on the policy)
Address
Vehicle information (like your VIN)
Policy number
Policy effective date (when your policy started)
Policy expiration date (when your policy ends)
Coverage amounts
Your car insurance card may also show confirmation that your policy meets your state’s minimum requirements for car insurance coverage.
Insurance ID cards and proof of coverage letters will be included when your policy is sent to you. Most big insurance companies like GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm will also allow you to print off your own copy at home. In many states you can also use an electronic form of your ID card as proof of insurance (more on that below).
An SR-22 form can also be used as proof of insurance. An SR-22 (or an FR-44 in some states) is a financial responsibility form and is used in cases when your license is suspended, like after a DUI.
Your state will require proof that you have the minimum amount of insurance coverage before your license is reinstated, which is what the SR-22 shows. But you don’t show an SR-22 yourself, your car insurance company files it with the state, so you don’t have to worry about keeping it on you.
Why you need proof of car insurance
You need proof of car insurance in any situation in which you need to use your coverage, or prove you’re meeting your state’s requirements.
The most obvious situation when you’d need proof of car insurance is when you’re involved in a car accident. Proof of insurance quickly shows the other party that you’re covered, along with how much coverage you actually have and contact information for both you and your insurance company. It makes things easier on all parties to have those details in one place.
You may also need to show proof of insurance when you’re pulled over for a moving violation. If you don’t show proof of insurance to the law enforcement officer, you’ll be issued a citation. In most cases, if you show up to your court date with proof that you were insured at the time of the incident, the ticket will be waived (sometimes with a small administrative fee).
You may need to show proof of insurance to register a car. Sometimes you just need car insurance before you actually start driving, but most states do require it before registering your vehicle. Check with your state’s DMV for the process where you live.
Which states allow digital proof of insurance?
In recent years, it’s become more common for states to allow a digital copy of your proof of insurance. This is usually through your insurer’s mobile app. It has all of the same information as a physical ID card, without the hassle of having to remember to put it in your glove compartment.
Instead, you can just pull out your phone, go to your car insurance company’s mobile app, and access digital proof of insurance there.
The only state that does not allow digital proof of insurance if you are pulled over or in a car accident is New Mexico. If you live in New Mexico, check the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division website to learn about the proof of insurance regulations.
DMV proof of insurance
If you are registering your vehicle or renewing your license, you’ll likely need to show proof of insurance at the department of motor vehicles. Each state has their own laws regarding when you need to show proof of insurance and what type of proof is acceptable.
State | Allows registration without insurance? | Allows digital proof of insurance? |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | No | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
No | Yes |
If you live in a state that allows you to register a vehicle without car insurance, that doesn’t mean you can drive without coverage.
Not only will you be ticketed for driving without auto insurance if you get pulled over for a moving violation, but if you are in an accident without car insurance coverage you will be responsible for paying those costs out-of-pocket.
In a serious accident you could be stuck paying for hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and property damage, which isn’t worth saving a few bucks by driving uninsured.
Fake proof of insurance
If you’re looking for details around obtaining proof of insurance, you may have seen suggestions of faking your proof of insurance. It may go without saying, but: Do not use a fake proof of insurance card.
If you’re paying for auto insurance — and you usually have to if you have a car — use a legitimate proof of insurance associated with your policy. Go straight through your insurance company’s website or app, or use the card they send you; don’t use a third party source.
If you don’t have car insurance for your vehicle, you shouldn’t be driving, and you shouldn’t be using a fraudulent insurance card. Driving without insurance is illegal in most cases and results in a ticket and fine. A fake insurance card, though, could constitute insurance fraud and lead to a much steeper penalty.
In short, you should have car insurance because a) it’s required in most cases, and b) it provides a financial safety net if you’re in an accident. But even if you don’t have insurance, you should never use a fake insurance card.
Frequently asked questions
What is an example of proof of insurance?
The small, perforated cards that your insurance company sends through the mail or an electric ID card (including both your car insurance app and a PDF of your ID cards) will work as proof of insurance in most states. Some states may also allow you to use a proof of coverage letter from your insurance company that has details about your policy, but this isn’t guaranteed.
What is a good proof of insurance?
The only proof of car insurance that is legally accepted in most states is your insurance ID card or an electronic version of that card. Both of these will include your personal information, including your name, vehicle information, policy number, coverage amounts, and both the effective and expiration date.
Is a receipt proof of insurance?
No, a receipt does not qualify as proof of car insurance. The only thing that qualifies as proof of insurance is an ID card (either mailed to you or printed at home) or electronic proof of insurance from your auto insurance company.
Why do employers ask for proof of insurance?
If you have a job as a professional driver (like a delivery driver or rideshare driver) your employer may ask for proof of insurance for two reasons. First, if you aren’t covered under your employer’s commercial policy, you will be expected to buy insurance on your own. Second, there may be instances where it isn’t clear whether or not you were on the clock and, in those cases, your personal insurance would be expected to cover you in an accident.
